Biometrics in Aviation Pt.2

Last month I had mentioned the emergence of biometrics in the airline industry. The new sector is looking to disrupt the industry in order to create more innovative and hassle-free ways of airline travel. One of the methods of biometrics that had been discussed was using fingerprint and iris scanners for easy identification. Now it seems as though a Scandinavian airline is taking things to the next level with a much more invasive method of identification.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) just recently told the public that it had successfully implanted a chip inside of the hand of one of its employees. The chip allows the employee to enter the airline’s lounge or to simply board a plane without any additional method of identification. While the airline understands that it will not likely be able to implant chips into any of its passengers, it does hope that this technology helps open the door to new and much more commercial innovations.

The biometric chip is part of SAS’ technology project, SAS Labs. The project is designed to create and inspire new and exciting ways to disrupt the airline industry in an effort to push it forward. The SAS Labs project has also resulted in another technological method of easy identification in the form of bluetooth luggage tags. These tags will make it easier for travelers to claim their luggage. The tags are reusable and could change the face of the already incredibly infuriating baggage claim process.

As I’ve mentioned before, technology is changing every facet of our lives. From airlines to construction to entertainment, it’s all changing. And now with SAS having successfully implanted a chip into the hand of an employee, this could become the future of airline travel. And whether or not this chip will actually catch on and become mainstream (most likely not) it is almost certain that a less intrusive method will become the norm. With almost every major airline working on this fascinating technology, it is only a matter of time until we can board an airplane in a matter of minutes without the use of traditional identification.

To be honest, I was not expecting to provide an update on biometrics so soon, but it seems as if this sector is looking to disrupt as quickly as possible. I will be sure to keep you guys posted as more news becomes available.

Dave Pflieger

Dave Pflieger is currently the CEO of Island Air and previously the President and CEO of Silver Airways. Previously, Dave Pflieger was the CEO & Managing Director of Air Pacific (later Fiji Airways). Before joining Air Pacific, Mr. Pflieger was a Founding Officer and Senior Vice President at Virgin America from 2004 to 2010.